By Amos G. Momo
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Despite efforts by the police over seven years, Mr. Richard D. Kollie and Mrs. Munah N. Kollie have successfully avoided criminal mischief charges.
The controversy began on March 6, 2017, at 11:30 pm, when the Kollies allegedly damaged a warehouse on Woiwor Z. Goepoqui’s land in Duazon, Margibi County. Mr. Kollie claimed ownership of the land, justifying his actions by asserting his right to destroy anything he deems not his own.
However, it’s believed their motive was to use this incident against the Mr. Goepoqui, the land owner in a legal case.
Based on the incident, on April 15, 2022, Mrs. Munah N. Kollie was called for questioning by the Liberia National Police but declined to cooperate. Similarly, Mr. Richard D. Kollie evaded questioning. Subsequently, both were charged with criminal mischief. Although their lawyer, Atty. Benjamin B. Stewart, represented Mrs. Kollie, he failed to produce her for investigation.
Instead of assisting the investigation, Atty. Stewart and Mrs. Kollie allegedly plotted to file a lawsuit against the aggrieved party at the Paynesville Town Hall Court. Justice prevailed on June 21, 2022, when the Paynesville Magisterial Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
However, Atty. Benjamin B. Stewart has persistently refused to produce the Kollies, further stalling their due process.
This evasion by the Kollies highlights concerns about the effectiveness of the legal system and the potential misuse of legal representation to obstruct justice.
In a surprising twist, Mr. Kollie has been nominated by President Boakai as Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Health. Mr. Goepoqui, the victim, urges the Liberian Senate to reconsider Kollie’s nomination, fearing his behavior could escalate if confirmed.
